Last updated: 2026-04-20

RELIABILITY SCORE: 75/100 (GOOD)

2020 Subaru WRX Reliability Report

Name: 2020 Subaru WRX
Brand: Subaru

The 2020 Subaru WRX scores 75/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 17 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Full Breakdown Compare Models

Recalls

Complaints

Complaint Rate

8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$682

Annual Fuel Cost

$3,000–$3,650

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity70/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact88/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity80/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
POWER TRAIN (2)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2020 is 1 year after the mid-model improvements refresh.

Year 6 in the Fourth generation (VA) (2015–2021).
Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
4th generation WRX (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

2015: Fourth generation (VA) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is 1 year after the mid-model improvements refresh.

Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru WRX?

At 75/100, the 2020 Subaru WRX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 1 year after the mid-model improvements refresh.

Owners log 17 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (5). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2021 Subaru WRX, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Subaru WRX for an earlier comparison.

Pros

+Acceptable reliability score
+Infrequent unscheduled repairs
+Low major repair risk (14%)
+Low recall count

Cons

−Above-average repair costs for its class
−ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX frequently report issues with the vehicle's... (5 complaints)
−VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (3 complaints)

Compare 2020 Subaru WRX With

2020 Volkswagen Golf

Reliability: 75/100

Good

2020 Honda Civic

Reliability: 78/100

Good

2020 Hyundai Elantra

Reliability: 72/100

Good

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK

1 manufacturer recall issued

Other

HIGH RISK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

recall on record

The 2020 Subaru WRX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.3

LowAvgHigh

Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

Fires

Injuries

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2020 Subaru WRX Recall Details

1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

22V5220002022-07-21

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Subaru WRX? Check its history first

Every 2020 Subaru WRX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Accidents
Open Recalls
Title History
Odometer Rollback

2020 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 10.1%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (None)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$682

vs $526 avg for compact cars

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

14%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

WRX

$682

Category Avg

$526

All Vehicles

$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

19–23 MPG

Running cost: $3,700–$4,350/yr

Fuel + repair

16–21 city / 22–27 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims

Trim	Drive	Trans.	City	Hwy	Comb	Fuel Cost
WRX 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	21	27	23	$3,000
WRX 2.0L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Automatic (AV-S8)	18	24	21	$3,300
WRX 2.5L 4-cyl	All-Wheel Drive	Manual 6-spd	16	22	19	$3,650

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Subaru WRX.

Test battery for charge retention after parking overnight
Inspect for transmission fluid leaks between engine and transmission
Check instrument panel for correct gear display when shifting
Examine windshields for any cracks or signs of spontaneous damage
Verify telematics control module functionality if experiencing electrical issues

2020 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component

17 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)POWER TRAIN (2)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)ENGINE (1)SEAT BELTS (1)SERVICE BRAKES (1)AIR BAGS (1)Other (1)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX frequently report issues with the vehicle's battery failing prematurely. Common symptoms include the car's inability to start, especially after being parked for a short period, and the need for frequent battery replacements. These problems often occur between 2,500 and 25,000 miles of use. Some owners mention that diagnostic checks by dealerships do not identify any issues, while others note that replacing the telematics control module resolved the problem. No safety implications such as crashes or fires are reported, but the recurring nature of battery failures can be inconvenient for potential buyers.

5 complaints total

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX report issues with the vehicle's windshields spontaneously cracking or breaking without any apparent external cause. Complaints frequently mention windshields cracking while the vehicle is stationary, with one report describing a loud pop resulting in a large hole in the rear windshield, followed by glass crumbling into the car. No specific mileage or timeline patterns emerge from the complaints, as incidents occur without any clear triggers. Safety implications are noted in one case where shattered glass fell into the car, posing a potential risk, especially with a child present in a rear-facing car seat. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reports of unexpected windshield failures.

3 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

Owners of the 2020 Subaru WRX report issues with the power train, specifically related to transmission display errors and fluid leaks. Common symptoms include the instrument panel incorrectly indicating the vehicle is in reverse when it is not, accompanied by the rearview camera display and a check engine light, typically occurring around 30,000 miles. Another issue involves the CVT transmission leaking fluid between the engine and transmission, first noticed around 71,686 miles and persisting at 77,576 miles. No safety incidents such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential transmission issues, particularly related to display errors and fluid leaks, which may not be covered under existing recalls or service bulletins for this model year.

2 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Owners report two distinct issues with the 2020 Subaru WRX. One complaint frequently mentions battery drainage, particularly when the vehicle remains unused for more than a day, resulting in being stranded without prior warning. This issue is noted within the first three years of ownership. Another complaint describes the head unit experiencing delamination and ghost touching, though no specific timeline or mileage is provided. While the battery issue has potential safety implications due to stranding in unsafe locations, no crashes or loss of control are reported. These patterns may be relevant for potential buyers considering the vehicle's reliability.

2 complaints total

ENGINE (1 complaints)

ENGINE

1 complaint

2024-08-03

I purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included

SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

2024-07-30

Rear passenger seatbelts fraying. My two children are sitting in the back seat, there is no warning that my seatbelts were frayed putting their life at risk! Took the car to the dealership to have them check what is going on with the seatbelt mechanism, they said “there is no mechanical issue, therefore it is not under warranty.”

SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

2021-02-16

UPON APPLYING PARKING BRAKE TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE, WHICH IS BEYOND 11 CLICKS AS STATED AS REQUIRED BY SUBARU, AND THE VEHICLE IS ON AN INCLINE GREATER THAN 8 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKE IS REQUIRED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, IT WILL NOT EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE AS THE WHEELS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO TURN MORE FREELY THAN EXPECTED GIVEN ITS INABILITY TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A HILL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU TWICE EXPRESSING THE COMPLAINT AND WAS SUMMARILY DENIED SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO EVEN INSPECT VEHICLE EVEN AFTER REQUESTING AN INSPECTION. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT YOU MUST APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE TO 11 CLICKS AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR. THE FORCE REQUIRED TO PULL THE PARKING BRAKE TO 11 CLICKS IS MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO APPLY IN A SINGLE MOTION AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW. IN ADDITION, AIR COMPRESSION IS EXPLICATED STATED IN FEDERAL LAW AS NOT ALLOWED AS A MECHANISM OF FORCE FOR USE IN A PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. AIR COMPRESSION IS WHAT IS USED IN THE ENGINE AS A MEANS TO PREVENT THE WHEELS FROM MOVING WHEN IN GEAR. FURTHER, THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM SHALL ACCORDING TO FEDERAL LAW, USE AN ACCUMULATION OF FORCE INDEPENDENT OF OTHER SYSTEMS FOR THE PARKING BRAKE, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE PER THE INSTRUCTION FROM SUBARU. LASTLY, SUBARU ALSO INSTRUCTED ME TO PUT A WHEEL STOP BEHIND THE WHEEL AS A STANDARD PRACTICE IN THIS COMMON PARKING SCENARIO, WHICH ISN'T POSSIBLE TO DO IF I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR TO PLACE THE WHEEL STOP. AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE MOVES SO I AM UNABLE TO SAFELY EXIT VEHICLE IN ORDER TO PLACE THE WHEEL STOP. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BOTH FOR KEEPING A PARKED VEHICLE IN PLACE AND ALSO IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKE SCENARIO.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related

2020-04-05Crash reported1 injury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE SON WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, RUNNING A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LIGHT POST, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED FIVE DAYS PRIOR HER SON WAS DRIVING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGED WHILE COMING TO A STOP LIGHT. THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED DURING EITHER FAILURE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED WRIST. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PARAMEDIC CAME HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD TO CALL THE DOCTOR FOR X-RAYS. THE DRIVER WAS SEEN BY HIS DOCTOR FOR HIS FRACTURED WRIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED HERITAGE SUBARU OWNINGS MILLS (9808 REISTERSTOWN ROAD OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) AND WAS TOLD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,100. *DT*JB

WHEELS (1 complaints)

WHEELS

1 complaint

2019-02-13

I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 SUBARU WRX LIMITED. I HAVE LEARNED BY INSPECTION THAT THE STANDARD OEM TIRE ON THIS VEHICLE IS A DUNLOP SPORT MAX RT. THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRE. THIS CLASS OF TIRE IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO BE USED IN VERY COLD WEATHER AND ESPECIALLY ON ICE AND SNOW. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED SUCH TIRES AND THEY ARE TERRIFYING ON ICE, THAT IS, DANGEROUS. I LIVE IN A AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE SNOW AND ICE ARE COMMON. SUBARU DID NOT INFORM ME OF THESE TIRES AND I AM NOW CONFRONTED WITH PURCHASING A NEW SET OF ALL SEASON TIRES SO I CAN SAFELY DRIVE MY CAR. BY THE WAY, I HAVE PREVIOUSLY WORKED IN TIRE ENGINEERING. IS A LESS KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON EXPECTED TO RECOGNIZE SUCH A DEFICIENCY AND TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS? NOT DRIVE IN COLD, SNOWY OR ICY CONDITIONS OR PURCHASE NEW TIRES?

When Do 2020 Subaru WRX Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

2,500–25,000 milesBattery failures

71,000–77,000 milesTransmission fluid leaks

Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy

Based on reliability index score

The best Subaru WRX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (78/100) and 2025 (77/100).

Top Pick

Excellent

Subaru WRX Years to Avoid

No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.

All model years score consistently well. The Subaru WRX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.

See full Subaru WRX years-to-avoid analysis

Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend

Subaru WRX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru WRX reliability scores by year
Year	Score	Rating
2018	71/100	Good
2019	72/100	Good
2020	75/100	Good
2021	75/100	Good
2022	73/100	Good
2023	75/100	Good
2024	78/100	Good
2025	77/100	Good
2026	81/100	Excellent

Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
Year	Score	vs Prior Year	Rating	Recalls	Complaints
2026	81/100	+4	Excellent	0	0
2025	77/100	-1	Good	0	1
2024	78/100	+3	Good	0	13
2023	75/100	+2	Good	1	6
2022	73/100	-2	Good	1	23
2021	75/100	0	Good	1	12
2020(selected)	75/100	+3	Good	1	17
2019	72/100	+1	Good	2	27
2018	71/100	—	Good	2	40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?

The 2020 Subaru WRX has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 75/100. It is reasonably reliable with 1 recall and 17 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru WRX?

The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Subaru WRX include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints), POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints), ENGINE (1 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru WRX have?

The 2020 Subaru WRX has 1 recall on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.

Is the 2020 Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?

The 2020 Subaru WRX has estimated annual repair costs of $682/year, which is $156 more than the compact cars average of $526. With a reliability score of 75/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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